WW2 Civil Defence Uniforms, Insignia, Helmets and Equipment
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WW2 ARP & Civil Defence Equipment


A vast array of equipment and documentation was manufactured and issued to the various Civil Defence services. A key area was that of dealing with the likelihood of a gas attack. One of the most iconic images of the second world war is the gas mask (or respirator) that was issued to every person.

Gas Decontamination squads were issued with a plethora of gas detection devices and protective equipment. The first responders to bombing incidents were issued with medical supplies as were Wardens' Posts.

​First Aid kits were also marketed at the general public. All services were issued with goggles and torches.

The Rescue services primarily used pre-exiting items - many members of a squad were drawn from local building trades. Rescue vehicles were converted from various requisitioned cars and lorries and equipped with the necessary items to deal with bombed buildings (ladders, shoring, pumps etc).
Colourized photo of a Gas Identification Officer
Colourized photo of a Gas Identification Officer (Cassowary Colorizations)

Documentation ☞
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  • Uniforms
    • Bluette Overalls
    • ARP Wrapover Overalls
    • Tunic, Slacks & Skirt
    • ARP Wardens' Coat
    • Battledress & Trousers
    • Greatcoats
    • Gabardine Coat
    • Waterproof Cape
    • Ambulance Uniforms
    • Nursing Uniforms
    • Women’s Voluntary Services Uniforms
    • Hats, Berets & Caps
    • Footwear & Gaiters
    • ARP & CD Buttons
  • Insignia
    • Rank Badges
    • Breast Badges
    • Beret & Cap Badges
    • Area Markings
    • Shoulder Titles / Flashes
    • War Service Chevrons
    • Armbands / Armlets
    • ARP Instructors' Badges
    • Incident Officer
    • Bomb Reconnaissance
    • Wound Stripes
    • ARP Whistle & Lanyards
    • Lapel Badges
    • Medals & Ribbons
    • Civil Defence Reserve
    • Miscellaneous ARP
  • Helmets
    • Helmets of the Home Front
  • Equipment
    • Documentation
    • First Aid
    • Gas Air Raid Warning
    • Hand-Cranked Air Raid Sirens
    • Fire Tackling
    • Anti-Gas Equipment
    • Anti-Gas Training Posters
    • Rescue Equipment
    • Goggles
    • Lamps & Torches
    • Respirators (Gas masks)
    • ARP Penknife
    • ARP Water Bottle
  • Fire Guard
    • Fire Guard History
  • Resources
    • Books
    • Re-enacting
    • Buyers' Guide
    • ARP Memo 17
    • Civil Defence ARP Pattern Numbers
    • Uniform Sizes
    • Original WW2 Photographs
    • Re-enacting Photos
    • Fake & Reproduction ARP Badges
    • Civil Defence Corps Insignia
    • Air Raid Histories
    • Links
  • Contact
    • About
  • Blog
    • Donate